Muharram, Fasting and Gifts

The Month of Muharram heralds the commencement of the new Islamic year.
During this month the 10th Day is called Aashura. Innumerable great events in the history of the world had occurred on this Day. Qiyaamah too will occur on a Friday which will be the 10th Muharram.

It is Sunnah to fast on the Day of Aashura. Since the Yahood (Jews) also fast on this Day or they used to fast, Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam ordered Muslims to fast
on two days, either the 9th and the 10th or the 10th and the 11th. Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam had commanded the extra day to avoid a resemblance with the Yahood.

Tashabbhuh bil Kuffaar (emulating non-Muslim) is a major sin.

Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam had also advised to spend a bit extra on food for the family on this holy Day. This does not mean to be extravagant and wasteful. As far
as wealthy people are concerned, every day the meals are lavish and sumptuous, hence it will be best for them to rather spend on extra and sumptuous food for the poor.

One should abstain from hiring a hall/tent and invite family and friends for a ‘Muharram Feast’, nor should one accept such an invite.

Besides the aforementioned acts, there is no other Sunnah act of Ibaadat or activity to be observed on this day. While Ibaadat is always beneficial and encouraged, there is no specific act of Ibaadat associated with the 10th Muharram.

The practice of exchanging gifts on this Day is baseless. It has no Islamic significance.

All other acts and activities which different groups have innovated on this Day are Haraam Bid’ah, e.g. the ‘new year’ celebrations etc.

Ridiculous celebrations on 10th
Muharram are the hallmark of the Shiahs and other deviated sects. Participating in any of these Haraam practices of Bid’ah is Haraam.